North football coach Chapelle has time to prepare

For second-year North High football coach Robert Chappelle, having a full off-season is less a given than a luxury.

After arriving at the end of June in 2011 to replace Gary Cook, who retired, both Chappelle and his players had some serious catching up to do.

"Last year we came in and kind of forced it on them," Chappelle said. "They were used to doing it a certain way, so now they know what to expect."

That mutual understanding has Chappelle excited for this season, despite a lack of returners. With just two or three seniors on offense and the same number on defense, Chappelle said he will be relying heavily on younger players. Those sophomores and juniors will have to make the leap from junior varsity play to varsity in a tough division.

"We're happy because our JV team went 8-1 last year," Chappelle said. "We know they've got talent, but there's a difference between JV and varsity football, especially in the Metro area here."

Seniors leading that transition include offensive and defensive tackle Saaevieon Kelley and slot receiver Fernando Garcia. And while Chappelle isn't returning age, he is introducing size, which should allow North to control the line of scrimmage.

"On our defensive line, Saaevieon is it as far as returners go," Chappelle said. "So those new guys are going to have to step it up."

Last season, North started 1-3, at which point Chappelle changed up the defense and earned wins on each of the next three Fridays. Kelley, who will be anchoring the line, said having a year with the new system should help both his own play and that of his younger teammates.

"Now we know the plays, the timing, what teams are coming against us with," Kelley said. "We have a year of experience, and the younger guys can feed off that."

Kelley said he hopes the younger players will also mimic the work ethic of his fellow seniors, namely Alex Martinez at middle linebacker.

"He's such a hard worker," Kelley said. "He's the only person who hasn't missed a single practice since he started playing football. Every day, in the weight room, on the field. I think people better look out for him."

Teams better look out for North as a whole, Chappelle said. After last season's rushed start, the Mustangs still finished 4-6, and they are champing at the bit to better that record this fall.